Latvianization
Latvianization refers to the historical process of promoting Latvian language, culture, and identity within Latvia, particularly during the early 20th century. This movement gained momentum following Latvia’s independence from Russia in 1918, as the newly formed state sought to establish a distinct national identity separate from its Russian and German colonial pasts. Before independence, Latvia had been under foreign rule for centuries, with significant populations of Russian, German, Jewish, and Polish speakers. The Latvianization policies aimed to integrate these diverse communities into a unified Latvian nation by emphasizing the use of the Latvian language in education, government, and daily life.
The process involved several key measures, including the promotion of Latvian in schools and public administration,
Latvianization was most actively pursued during the interwar period (1918–1940) under the First Latvian Republic. After